The PMO Community Podcast

S1.E12. Eman Deabil on Navigating Change: the Evolution of PMOs in M&As

Join us in an enlightening conversation with Eman Deabil, a seasoned transformation management leader, as we explore the critical role of Executive Project Management Offices (E-PMOs) in mergers and acquisitions. In this episode:
Transition Challenges: Eman discusses the most common challenges E-PMOs face during the transition phase of mergers and acquisitions, such as lack of clarity and leadership, and recommends strategies for addressing these issues.
Role of E-PMOs in M&As: We explore how E-PMOs transform into Integration Management Offices (IMOs) during mergers and acquisitions and why this is crucial for the success of these endeavors.
Chief Project Officer's Role: The importance of a Chief Project Officer in ensuring strategic alignment and maximizing strategic value during transitions.
Assessment and Planning: Eman emphasizes the need for a thorough current state assessment before planning for the integration, detailing critical factors to consider.
Critical Success Factors: We discuss the critical success factors for an IMO during the transition, focusing on management support, engagement of the right team, and clear communication.
Future of E-PMOs in M&As: Looking ahead, Eman shares insights on the evolving role of E-PMOs and IMOs in future M&A activities, including potential impacts of emerging trends and technologies like artificial intelligence and blockchain.
Tune in for a comprehensive exploration of these transformative topics and gain actionable insights into ensuring successful mergers and acquisitions through effective PMO leadership.

S1.E11. Anara Asylbekova on Leading with Innovation: AI's Role in Project Management

Dive into a captivating discussion with Anara Asylbekova, Vice President of Projects Portfolio and Innovations, as we explore the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence in project management. Anara, hailing from Kazakhstan and currently making her mark in the UAE, shares her extensive experience and insights on integrating AI into project portfolio management. This episode features a series of enlightening questions:
Why did you decide to contribute to a book writing challenge from The PMO Community?
What are some common misconceptions about AI in project portfolio management, and how do you address them?
How does AI in project portfolio management differ when applied in various global markets such as Kazakhstan or the UAE compared to the US or the EU?
Can you elaborate on how AI-driven tools can predict and mitigate risks in project portfolios?
Could you provide an example from your work where AI significantly enhanced the decision-making process within project portfolio management?
How do you envision the future of AI in project portfolio management, and what advice do you have for organizations looking to adopt these technologies?
Will AI replace Chief Project Officers?
Join us as Anara unpacks these topics, providing a roadmap for leveraging AI to enhance efficiency, predictability, and strategic alignment in project management.

S1.E10. Peter Botond Mihok on Strategies for Tomorrow's PMO

Dive into this insightful episode where we explore the evolving world of Project Management Offices (PMO) with Peter Botond Mihok, a notable contributor to an influential book on PMO dynamics. Throughout our discussion, we tackle a series of compelling questions:
What motivated Peter to contribute to this pivotal book?
What major challenges are currently reshaping the PMO landscape?
How will the role of project managers transform in the near future?
The role of community support in the success of project management—how crucial is it?
What impact does the rapid pace of technological advancement have on project management?
Strategies for project managers to stay ahead in rapidly changing tech and market environments.
The rising trend of the Chief Project Officer—will this become a standard in organizations?
Effective strategies for PMOs to integrate new technologies.
The significant impacts of community-driven initiatives as discussed in Peter's chapter.
The future of project management methodologies amidst growing AI integration.
Key advice for newcomers stepping into the project management field.
Emerging trends that could reshape project management in the next decade.
The importance of cross-disciplinary knowledge for tomorrow’s project managers.
A success story highlighting the transformative power of community collaboration.
Key insights Peter hopes readers will gain from his chapter.
Join us as Peter shares his deep knowledge and experience, offering valuable insights and foresight that are essential for anyone in the field of project management, from novices to seasoned professionals. This episode is a treasure trove of advice, predictions, and strategic discussions designed to equip you with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of modern and future project management.

S1.E9. Dr. Tony Prensa on Strategic Horizons: The Evolving Role of PMOs

In today's episode, we are privileged to have Dr. Tony Prensa, a seasoned educator and leader in project management with over twenty-five years of dedicated service, including impactful roles in organizations such as the PMI Puerto Rico Chapter and numerous academic institutions like Virginia Tech and Walden University.
Dr. Prensa will address critical questions shaping the future of PMOs:
PMO Evolution: How has the PMO's role shifted from a purely administrative function to a strategic partner within organizations, and what are the key drivers of this transformation?
Strategic Challenges: What are the common hurdles in establishing a strategic PMO, and how can these be effectively overcome?
Digital Transformation: In the era of digital transformation, how has the role of the strategic PMO evolved, and what strategies should be adopted to harness technology for organizational success?
Chief Project Officer: The potential impact of a Chief Project Officer in enhancing business deliveries.
Tune in as Dr. Prensa shares his invaluable insights and strategies, drawing from a rich tapestry of experiences and a deep understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of project management. Don’t miss this insightful exploration of how PMOs are navigating the complexities of modern business environments. Follow us on social media to stay updated on future episodes!

S1.E8. Blake Mallet on Navigating the Waves of Change: a Journey from Navy to PMO

Join us in this compelling episode of our podcast as Blake Mallet, a seasoned project management professional with a rich military background, shares his unique insights into the convergence of military precision and PMO strategies.
Discover how Blake's experiences with nuclear reactors in the US Navy have shaped his approach to project management, emphasizing the critical importance of systemic thinking and quality management. Dive into discussions on how diverse teams enhance problem-solving and the pivotal role of project management in adapting to technological advancements like AI.
Blake's journey offers valuable lessons on leadership, innovation, and the future of project management. Tune in to learn how military discipline can transform PMO practices for robust project execution.

S1.E7. Žydra Tubelytė: A Dive into Neuroscience and PMO Leadership

In this episode, we explore in-depth with Žydra, whose expertise in turning underperforming processes into strategic assets has reshaped global businesses. Learn how insights from neuroscience can empower PMO leaders to effectively navigate resistance to change and apply the Kübler-Ross model to manage organizational transitions more compassionately.
🧠 Zydra also shares potent strategies for enhancing stakeholder communication and involvement during change initiatives, ensuring all project deliverables meet the highest quality standards.
🎧 Tune in to discover how Žydra's innovative leadership techniques can revolutionize your PMO strategy and drive your projects towards unprecedented success.

S1.E6. Milan Dordevic on Navigating the Future of PMO

Join us on this engaging episode of the PMO Community Podcast as we sit down with Milan Dordevic, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer and President of the PMI Phoenix Chapter.
With over 15 years of experience in project, product, program, and portfolio management, Milan shares his invaluable insights into the evolving role of PMOs in incorporating strategic management and innovation.
Dive deep into discussions on leveraging technology in project management, fostering a culture of innovation, and the significant impact of leadership and vision in evolving PMO landscapes. Discover Milan's approach to overcoming resistance to change and his vision for PMO alignment with business strategy in today's dynamic environment. Whether you're a project management professional or a business leader looking to integrate innovative practices, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge on shaping the future of PMOs.

S1.E5. Zubair Siddiqui on Leading the Future: Green Initiatives and Diversity in Project Management

Dive into the heart of project management with Zubair Siddiqui, general manager at the Health Service Executive and a Lecturer at the ICD Business School. In this episode, the focus is on the "Green PMO Initiative," where we unravel practical steps to integrate sustainability into project management practices. We also tackle the crucial topics of Diversity and Inclusivity, discussing strategies PMOs must adopt to cultivate diverse project teams. Plus, don't miss our insightful segment on the evolving role of C-Level Project Management, detailing the responsibilities and goals vital for today’s strategic PM leaders. Join us to shape a future where project management goes beyond mere planning to promote sustainability, inclusivity, and strategic leadership.

S1.E4. Remko te Winkel on Integrating Theory of Constraints in Agile PMOs

In this insightful episode, Remco te Winkel dives deep into the intersection of Theory of Constraints (TOC) and Agile methodologies within Project Management Offices (PMOs) and how to  Enhance Efficiency and Overcome Challenges. Discover how integrating TOC specifically targets and resolves project bottlenecks, significantly boosting efficiency.
Remco also highlights the critical role of customer collaboration in Agile PMOs and its impact on project outcomes. Additionally, he addresses the primary challenges of merging TOC and Lean principles with Agile practices, providing practical strategies for successful integration.
Looking ahead, Remco shares his expert predictions on the evolution of Agile PMOs in response to emerging technologies and changing market dynamics. Tune in to gain valuable perspectives on optimizing project management for future success.

S1.E3. Erik K. Rueter on Empowering Projects: How Positive Intelligence and Human-Centered Design Revolutionize Team Dynamics

In this episode, we explore the impact of Positive Intelligence (PQ) and Human-Centered Design (HCD) in project management. Discover how PQ boosts mental fitness and resilience with a case study on its remarkable effects on a project team's success. We then examine how HCD principles transform project approaches through empathy and effectiveness. The discussion concludes with strategies for overcoming unconscious biases and enhancing team diversity. Tune in for essential insights on elevating team performance and project results through psychological and design-centric strategies.